For over 600 days now, the Ukrainian people have been valiantly fighting to defend their lands and loved ones. They have endured indiscriminate bombardment, war crimes, and overwhelming military aggression but they have stood firm, galvanised the international community, and fiercely resisted the Russian invasion. We must continue to provide Ukraine with the defensive weaponry they need to defend their country.
UK support has been tailored to the anticipated actions of Russia and based on requests from the Ukrainian Government. To date, the UK has provided lethal weaponry, including anti-tank missiles, artillery guns, air defence systems, armoured fighting vehicles, anti-structure munitions, and three M270 long-range multiple launch rocket systems.
This has been complemented by over 200,000 items of non-lethal aid, including unmanned aerial systems, body armour, helmets, night vision equipment, mine detection equipment, medical equipment and winder clothing. In November 2022, the MOD confirmed that the first of three retired Sea King search and rescue helicopters had been delivered to Ukraine.
Further support from MOD include the provision of 14 Challenger II main battle tanks and a manoeuvre support package, including minefield breaching and bridging capabilities worth £28 million, and dozens more unscrewed aerial systems worth £20 million to support Ukrainian artillery. The UK has also donated Storm Shadow Missiles, which are a long-range precision strike capability, and long-range attack drones. The UK was the first country to provide Ukraine with missiles with a range sufficient to strike targets anywhere in the country.
In October 2023, the Defence Secretary announced a new package of support for Ukraine, worth more than £100 million, which will help armed forces clear minefields, maintain its vehicles, and shore up defence fortifications to protect critical national infrastructure. This will be provided using money from the International Fund for Ukraine.
If the Ukrainian forces are to have the best chance of survival on the frontline, however, it is essential to ensure that they are not only properly equipped, but properly trained. Under Operation Interflex, the UK-led programme of training for Ukraine’s military, more than 30,000 recruits have been trained in the UK since June 2022.
I am proud that the UK Government continues to provide substantial military assistance to Ukraine, thus far totalling £4.6 billion - making the UK the second-largest donor in the world - and has committed to match or increase this funding to Ukraine for the next two years. Furthermore, the Government is using Britain's influential position on the world stage to push for sustained long-term support from the international community.
Now over a year since Russia's illegal and unjustified invasion of Ukraine and I, alongside the Government, continue to stand in unwavering solidarity with Ukraine and remain steadfast in supporting Ukraine and its people, through military, humanitarian, and economic means.